Active Tools & Equipment Posts

How To: Pick any lock easily

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to pick a lock. The material required for picking a lock is a tension wrench and pick. Begin by inserting the tension wrench into the bottom left slot of the lock. Put some pressure on the tension wrench as you pick the lock. Now place the pick into the lock hole and experiment with it. Continue fidgeting and raking the pick in the lock hole until the lock opens. This video will benefit those viewers who have lost the key to their lock, and would like...

How To: Make your lawn tractor faster in three easy steps

In this tutorial, we learn how to make your lawn tractor faster. First, add an exhaust to your lawn tractor with a one inch pipe out the back. Make sure it's secured so it doesn't fall down onto the ground while you're driving the tractor. Also, add on a 51" belt instead of a 52" belt to make the tractor run faster. The last thing you can do to make your tractor faster is to place a spring and wire around the throttle to start the machine faster. This could make your tractor go up to at least...

How To: Use and take care of a portable band saw

Using a band saw can be really helpful when you have to cut certain metals nice and neatly. Unlike regular band saws, this tutorial covers how to use and take care of one that is portable. This is especially helpful for this hard to reach areas or projects where it's difficult to remove the metal. So check out this helpful tutorial to find out how to use, take care of, and understand a portable band saw. Enjoy!

How To: Find the best drill bits and use them in metal

In order to find the best drill bits to drill in metal, you should look at the angle of the bit. It will need to have a center point. Bits only cut on the ends. The grooves on the sides are made to remove the excess. The point on the end determines how it will cut. Titanium bits last a long time, but cobalt bits last even longer. They will all eventually become blunt. They will require sharpening.

How To: Pick a combination lock using a soda can

In this tutorial, we learn how to pick a combination lock using a soda can. To begin, have your lock next to you and an empty soda can and scissors. When your lock won't open, cut the soda can in the middle so you have a small square. After this, cut off strips, then measure the size of your pinkie on the foil. Next, cut the foil out so it's the exact size of your pinkie and then stick this piece of foil into the lock. Move the foil around until it comes undone and you will have the lock unlo...

How To: Straight pipe your small tractor engine

In this tutorial, we learn how to straight pipe your small tractor engine. First, insert a one inch screw pipe to your exhaust, then connect pipes into it so it connects to the back of the vehicle. You will need to install several elbow pipes as well as longer straight pipes. The pipes should reach the end of your tractor out of the tires. Make sure it's secured tightly to the floor boards and screwed in on the bottom of the tractor. You can experiment with different types and shapes of pipes...

How To: Use basic home power tools correctly and efficiently

In this video, Luke Van Dyck discussed power tools in the home, and some tips to using them more effectively, efficiently, and safely. When doing home renovations, it's important that you're familiar and comfortable with the tools you're working with, especially the power tools, specifically blades and drill bits. Whether you're using corded drills, cordless drills, table saws, or hand saws… you need sharp bits and blades for tool longevity. Find out some cool tips.

How To: Replace the brushes in a cordless DeWalt power drill

Cordless drills may seem complicated, but only if you've never take one apart before. They have a really simple design, compared to other power tools, and this means easy fixing! When it comes to brush replacements for your DeWalt cordless drill, it's super easy and super fast to replace yourself. This step-by-step guide will show you just how to remove and install drill brushes.

How To: Remove and replace a chuck on a cordless drill

Most cordless drills are built very similar, so when it comes to repairs and maintenance… if you know one, you know them all. Especially when it comes to the drill chucks. When a drill chuck goes bad, there's no need to pay expensive repair costs… you just need to purchase the chuck and replace it yourself. See how simple and efficient it is to remove the chuck from your cordless power drill.

How To: Remove and replace a Delta chuck on a drill press

A drill press is a wonderful power tool for any craftsman's garage, but just because it's wonderful doesn't mean it doesn't need a little maintenance or repair every now and then. The drill chuck goes through a lot, and eventually, it will need to be replaced, or at least cleaned. This video will show you how to remove a Delta chuck from your drill press with ease, and shows you where to go from there.

How To: Replace the brushes in a corded DeWalt power drill

Removing and replacing the brushes in your DeWalt power drill doesn't have to be a costly repair. You can do it yourself, and it doesn't require a lot of time or effort. Simply unscrew and take the casing off your corded DeWalt power drill to expose the brushes. The model in the video has spring-loaded brush holders. It's as simple as taking the old ones out, and dropping the new brushes in. Learn from a pro to efficiently and correctly restore the brushes in your corded drill.

How To: Fix a power drill grinding noise and chuck problem

Is your power drill making a funky high pitched noise when you try to use it? Or why your chuck on your drill doesn't spin? You first reaction may be to throw it on the ground in anger, but this could actually be simple fix. Sometimes, the gear switch can get stuck in-between gears, and can be fixed by simply moving the gear switch back and forth on your drill. Try that and see if it fixes your battery operated power drill.

How To: Oil a paper shredder

In this video, we learn how to oil a paper shredder. You will want to oil this every time you have to dump out the waste basket of your shredder. A good way to oil it is to grab the oil and make a zig zag shape on a piece of paper, then place it into the shredder. It's good to do this because the shredder teeth are made out of metal and need to be oiled, or they will start to not work correctly. Make sure you purchase oil that is made for shredders, or you could put the wrong type and ruin yo...

How To: Refill a butane lighter

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to refill a butane lighter. For this you will need any kind of butane lighter that has an opening for refill and any kind of butane refill can. Shake the butane can properly. Then remove the cap and you will see the nozzle. Now hold the lighter upside down and insert the nozzle in to the refill hole. Now press the can down and hold for about four seconds. Repeat this for three to four times. Then replace the cap on the can and try out yo...

How To: Sharpen your chainsaw with a hand file

In this tutorial, we learn how to sharpen your chainsaw with a hand file. First, take the cover off of the chainsaw and jam something into place so the chain stays in place. Put gloves on before you touch the chain, and use a hand file to file down on the chain. Look for the shortest tooth and put the file in, holding it well and giving it two or three strokes. When filing, be consistent on each different tooth you are sharpening. You will be able to feel the blade being taken off. You might ...

How To: Start a STIHL chainsaw

In this video, we learn how to start a STIHL chainsaw. First, remember never to start your saw by drop or throw starting it. The safest ways to start are to start it on the ground or standing up. To start it on the ground, find a firm and flat area free of any obstacles. Always make sure there are no people in the immediate area. Now, press your foot into the handle and grasp the handle with your left hand and the starter handle with your right. To stand while starting a chainsaw, do the same...

How To: Replace a primer bulb easily

Many homeowners may not realize it, but primer bulbs are important for getting an engine cold started. Many people tend not to use it, but when it comes time and the machine doesn't start, then they it's important to have a primer bulb ready. Since they're plastic, they can wear out easily or even crack.

How To: Choose a drill

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to choose a drill. There are 3 types of drills: cordless drills, electric drills and rotary hammer drills. cordless drills run on batteries and have a hammer setting. cordless drills are able to drill into concrete with mason drill bits. Electric drills last much more longer than cordless drills, but are limited by the extension reach. Rotary hammer drills are only used to drill into concrete. Some drills require a chuck key. Others have a key-less ch...

How To: Use a multimeter

This video tutorial is in the Home & Garden category which will show you how to use a multimeter to check for continuity, measure resistance and voltage and many more values. Multimeters are like the electrical engineer's Swiss army knife. Multimeters can be of digital or analog types. Before using the multimeter, make sure there is continuity between the two probes. When you connect the two probes with each other, it will beep indicating that there is continuity and then you can go ahead. To...

How To: Read a ruler

Everyone has used a ruler at some point in their life, whether for art sizing, blueprint plans, or sizing up your widescreen television on your living room wall. But there's a lot of little ticks on the ruler that you may not be aware of. Your ruler shouldn’t be used only to draw a straight line. Make sense of all those little lines and take advantage of its intended use.

How To: Fix a slack recoil starter on your chainsaw

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to fix a slack recoil starter on a chainsaw. Begin by removing the bolts off of the side casing. If you leave the cord hanging out, it will make the saw much more difficult to start and can be caught onto things. To put more tension on the spring, wind the cord around the nylon spool and retract the cord. Make sure not to put too much tension in the spring or else the spring will break. This video will benefit hose viewers who have and use a chainsaw,...

How To: Change the oil on a riding lawn mower

It is very important to change the oil on your lawn mower just as important as changing the oil in your car. The oil liberates, cools and cleans the engine. It is best to check your manufacturers information to know how often to change the oil. To change the oil you will need the following: a wrench, gloves, a drop cloth, a socket wrench, oil container, a brush, a new oil filter, an oil filter wrench and fresh oil.

How To: Start a STIHL trimmer or brush cutter

In this tutorial, we learn the proper way to start a STIHL trimmer. Before you begin, make sure you are wearing the proper protection gear. Next, check the fuel level, throttle trigger, stop switch, cutting tool, and harness. Everything should be tightened and in good starting condition. Make sure you are away from any obstructions before you turn on the cutter. Pull the starter grip and guide it to rewind it properly. Pull the rope several times, then move the choke to the starter position. ...

How To: Jump the battery on a lawn tractor

Just like a car, a lawn tractor comes with many parts that are usually found on a car. One of those parts is a battery. This is needed to get the lawn tractor started and ready for use. BUt like the car's battery, it can go dead sometimes and leave you in a sticky situation.

How To: Check your lawn tractor's battery

If you are having a hard time with starting your lawn tractor, there may be several reasons behind this. One being the battery. Just like a car, the battery brings life to your lawn tractor and makes sure that is is working properly. Without the battery, you can't use your machine.

How To: Maintain your lawn tractor's engine

You can do the basic engine care - such as changingJust like a car, a lawn tractor is an expensive piece of hardware that should be properly maintained on a regular basis. Not only does it need a regular oil change and tune up, but it needs to be cleaned as well in order to maximize its efficiency.

How To: Use a Work Sharp motorized sharpener

Keeping tools in tip-top shape is important for making sure they will work properly when needed. There are many tools that can complete the job, but in this tutorial, you'll be finding out how to use a work sharp motorized sharpener. It's perfect for sharpening chisels and other tools. So check it out, be careful, and good luck!